Confidence has returned to the region and Asia is moving and shaking again.

The reports of strengthening hotel occupancy rates in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia in this issue, of better-than-expected occupancies despite travel-disruptive events – such as the March campaigning and April elections in Indonesia – signal not only the return of the corporate warrior, but a more confident traveller who is not as sensitive to bad news as before.

The recent return of SARS in China is a good case in point as it does not seem to have stirred up the same kind of concern or disturbance like it did last year.

Perhaps it is because the media has learned to temper and balance the bad news better. Perhaps it is because China is more upfront about the situation this time and how it is tackling the problem.

Hotels – such as Accor Asia Pacific which launched a six-figure roadshow around the key Asian cities – are not the only ones more upbeat and ready to invest.

TMCs – both international and regional are also jostling for position and a bigger bite of Asia.

TQ3 which moved into the region about three years ago is fighting back to regain lost ground since its entry. The setting up of its Asian headquarters in Singapore has made the headlines and has also fuelled speculation about pending partnership break-ups and make-ups.

In Malaysia, it is WIN (Worldwide Independent Travel Network, based in the UK) for Mitra Tours & Travel, while Australia’s Flight Centre has entered a joint venture with China Comfort Travel. What it all adds up to is Asia maturing as a corporate travel market.

Caroline Boey
Group Editor